To jump right in, here’s my take on the highlights, along with some details and references. EPA’s max allowable lead level in water is 15 Parts Per Billion (sample taken from kitchen tap) Dangerous blood level for children: 5 µg/dL (that is, micrograms per deciliter. A measurement taken from a person’s blood. Consult your doctor, but this […]

Recently I had no AC. First thought was that this was going to cost me $300 to $500 for an HVAC specialist to diagnose with special tester and recharge or something worse (BTW R-22 refrigerant is being phased out… and here’s why you might care.). But I didn’t jump there yet. It was the hottest, muggiest […]

I’ve listened to this endless debate between buyer’s agents, listing agents, buyers, sellers, attorneys and home inspectors… each with a slightly different view on the subject. The bottom line according to multiple attorney’s I’ve talked with: a buyer is not liable for a roof that is on the cusp of leaking or other serious failure […]

Just in case your inspector tries to pull a fast one in attempt to save some money: New York State tests according to EPA standards for real estate transactions, which require TWO radon canisters be tested side by side… not one. Multiple other requirements exist that are standard with instructions in the test kit. Make […]

Ok, we all know to call the power company with a gas leak, but what are the options when they arrive? First they “sniff” the exterior gas lines with a multi thousand dollar piece of equipment, then all the interior ones. If a leak is found they’re obligated to either fix it or isolate it. […]

For the homeowner maintaining an oil burner, never press a reset button more than twice… they kick off for a reason, including faulty controls, bad pump, air in fuel lines… most importantly there is 10,000volts in these systems, do not attempt to fix if you’re not intimately familiar with these systems.